I sighed as I walked out of the locker room and into the main room where they were doing roll-call. I used to hate going to this, and generally just didn't, but Edward insisted that I go in with him before we started our day. He said that he hated leaving me to stand outside, and in the cold.
Naturally, when I walked in I scanned the room for his messy bronze hair. I felt a frown take over my face when I realized that he wasn't in the room. Where would he be? He comes to work every day.
I glanced around, not sure who to sit with now that Edward wasn't here. I usually just went and stood with him, or sat on the edge of his desk. Today I just leaned in the doorway, hoping that he'd come in through it sometime soon.
I was disappointed when the chief let everyone loose and Edward still hadn't arrived. I glanced at the time, seeing that I still had ten minutes, and decided to go ask about what I should do. I hate asking for help, and prayed he wouldn't just call me an idiot, but otherwise I flat-out wouldn't know what to do with myself.
I walked up to his desk and found him piling up some papers. He glanced up, chuckled, and set the papers down. I wasn't super new around here, and even though I hardly ever talk, he knew who I was and that I was dedicated to my work.
"Why, hello Miss Swan," He smiled and I nodded sternly.
Chief Clapp has been the cheif of this place for as long as I can remember. He's gotten older over the years, obviously, with his now white hair and wrinkled skin. But he was still the same man I knew when I began volunteering here at the station nine years ago.
"Can I help you with anything?"
"Uh, yes sir," I cleared my throat, awkwardly. "Edward Cullen...my partner...he's not here and I was wondering if you knew where he was and if he was coming? And what I'm supposed to do if he's not, because I really still don't know a lot, and I-..."
"No worries, dear," the man smiled at me, taking a seat behind his desk. "Edward's out on a family emergency. He should be back tomorrow morning. In the meantime, you'll be working with a substitute today. He's fairly new too, so I'd appreciate if you toured him, drove, and helped out. Okay?"
"Yes sir," I nodded and got turned to leave.
"Oh, and Isabella," He called, making me stop and turn back to face him. "I trust you with this job. You're a very mature, and bright young girl. I would also like to say that I've watched you grow up around here and that I'm proud of you."
"Uh-uh-uh...I go by Bella." I stuttered and scratched the back of my head, not sure what to say back. I've never been thanked before, especially not like this. I felt my face flush red and I quickly looked at my feet. "Th-thanks sir. You won't be disappointed."
"I wouldn't expect you to, Bella." He told me as I left the room, and made my way to the bus.
When I got there I immediately focused on the man leaning up against the side. He looked shady, and creepy from here. And as I approached him, I realized that he looked just as weird up close.
He was a few inches shorter than Edward, with his long, scraggly hair pulled back in a pony-tail at the nape of his neck. He was pale and his cold, blue eyes darted up and down my body as I neared him. A cold chill ran up my spine, my body telling me to turn and walk away from this man.
There was just something about him...
Creepy.
Suddenly a grin broke out across his chapped lips, revealing crooked, gross-looking teeth. I nearly gagged when he laughed and his nasty breath blew across my face, assaulting my poor nose with it's horrific scent. Not to mention the fact that his laugh was loud, obnoxious, and just flat-out annoying!
"The name's James Moreau. What's your name, pretty lady?" He asked me and I had the urge to tell him that my name was none of his business.
But then I remembered that we were going to spend the day working with each other and that I was practically required to tell him who I was. Dammit...but he's so disgusting! I don't want him knowing who I am!
"Is-Isabella..." I stuttered and he chuckled again.
"Sexy name for a sexy girl!" He sneered and turned to hop into the driver's seat.
"Um, I'm sorry, but Chief Clapp asked me to drive...you're new. I mean, I'm new, I've only been here a month, but you're newer. And I need to show you where everything is. In case of emergency," I whispered and he laughed, loudly, before rolling his stupid eyes.
"Yeah, right, just get in," His eyes narrowed at me as I nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. I didn't want to fight with him. He seemed so cold that I didn't know where he'd draw the line when around a woman. I also didn't want to be the unlucky girl to find out, either.
So, I took my usual seat on my side of the bus and buckled up. On a normal occasion Ed and I don't buckle up. He passed his driver's tests perfectly, and in those cases, we would have an easier time hopping out of the bus at a scene. But I just don't trust James behind the wheel. So, I'm going to take whatever precautions I can when around him.
He whipped out of the parking lot recklessly. I felt my stomach lurch as he turned the corner roughly, and pulled us out and into the wet streets of Forks. Terrific. He's just asking for an accident with this. And my goodness, what an accident that would be, this huge thing...I sighed to myself and shook my head at him.
"What?" He asked me and rolled his eyes, again.
Ugly.
About twenty minutes into the shift I realized that today was going to be a slow day, and not just in terms of how many calls we'd gotten. It already felt like I'd been there two days instead of the mere half hour. No thanks to James over there...
He was just so nasty and he stank up the entire van with his nasty smell.
To say I was relieved when we got a call to a fire here in Forks would be beyond understating the situation. I immediately grabbed the radio, before James could stop me, and said that we'd be there quickly.
"Dammit! Why'd you take that one?"
"People need help, we're close, and it's our job!" I sneered quietly and he rolled his eyes. "Now turn on the sirens and get there!"
"Whatever witch," He rolled his eyes and hit the gas, and then hit the sirens.
We arrived at the scene a little slower than we'd have if Edward were driving. I would just say that I'm new at driving if somebody asked about it, though I doubt they will. I'm not very well known around her by the other EMT's and they hardly ever spoke to me.
Didn't stop the women from batting their eyes and flirting with Edward though. He was very popular around here. All of the women wanted to marry him, and all the men wanted to be his best friend, and then there was his partner. The one that all of the women and men wished would disappear.
I got out, grabbed my bag, and told him to grab a gourney. We ran onto the scene and I went straight to a little kid who had just been brought out.
"Why are gonna' help the stupid brat first?" James spat and I glared at him.
"Don't listen to him," I whispered to the small child. "He's just a bully."
The boy had messy blonde hair and light brown eyes. He was covered in ash and his wrist looked severely burnt. And then there was the terrified look in his eyes. He began coughing and I began checking his heart beat and breathing.
His breathing was a little laboured, and his heart-rate had picked up, but it was probably due to smoke inhalation and fear. So, I helped him back to the ambulance where I gave him an oxygen mask and wiped his face with a cool wash cloth.
He felt really, really warm.
"There ya' go, sweetie," I breathed as he seemed to relax. "Do you live here, honey?"
He nodded and I glanced up, sighing, as I began to wonder if he had any family. It was an old, beat-down apartment. It's not too bad, but it's small, and I knew that the people here may not have the most money in town.
Poor boy.
"How old are you, sweetie?" I asked him and held up four fingers. I smiled and nodded. "Can you tell me your name?"
I pulled the mask from his face and he coughed a bit before licking his lips and looking at me. "I'm Alec."
"It's nice to meet you, Alec. I'm Bella. Do you have any family here?" I asked him, still speaking softly, trying not to scare him. He's probably horrified by all of this. The least I can do is try to make it easier for him. Unlike James who is standing off to the side, taking a smoke, at a fire!
Idiot.
"Janie. My sister." He huffed and I nodded, glancing around for a little girl. "She's ... she's ... eighteen."
"Do you live with Janie?" I asked him and he nodded. "No Mommy or Daddy?"
"Grampy Aro passed away last year so she opted me." He whispered and I nodded, and sighed. He was adopted. No wonder they lived in this part of the neighborhood, they probably weren't doing too well. She's probably still in school!
I can remember how hard it was with Anabella, my sister. I've always called her Ella, for short, because Isabella and Anabella is easily mixed up. Anyways, Dad brought her home when I was merely fifteen. She was three when I was Janie's age, and incredibly hard to take care of.
And I wasn't paying for her...just for her birthdays, and extra things, Dad paid for absolute necessities.
"So, do you see Janie around here?" I glanced around the crowd and he nodded.
"Where is she?"
"She was cold, I think. They covered her up over there..." He pointed at the lined up bodies beside the building...the ones with the tags.
The casualties.
His sister is gone and I'm not sure that he has anyone for him. I thought that El and I had it hard, but that was nothing. Nothing at all compared to where this boy could end up going. I pursed my lips and turned back to him, trying to figure out what to say to him. No way am I telling him what's going on over there.
"Okay...well...let's not worry about her right now, okay?" I asked and he glanced that way before looking at me and nodding. He pulled his thumb into his mouth and kicked his feet a bit. "She has her own doctors, and you have me. Right?"
He nodded.
"Good. Now, I'm going to take you to the hospital, alright, sweetie?" I asked and he nodded again. "Now, I'm going to go get something, stay right here. Don't move an inch."
He nodded as I walked away and went to find the Chief.
"Ah! Swan, I shoulda' known you'd show up!" He smiled slightly, his eyes sad, probably because of everything that happened. He's in charge - he has every reason to be upset. "Do you need help? Or maybe a case?"
"Actually...I was wondering if you had gotten a Jane? I don't know her last name. I had her brother...I'm taking him to the hospital to get his hand fixed up. Um...his sister...he said she's over there and that they covered her up. I think she's a victim...she's dead."
"Blonde? Eighteen?" He asked me and I nodded. "Yeah, she was severely burned. She'd taken him and stuck him in the bathtub, top floor, but she couldn't get back in there in time. It looked like she'd gone to get towels to get wet."
"She was saving him..." I shook my head and glanced back at the boy.
"Yeah, well...you should get him to the hospital. I'll tell him what's going on personally, later. Don't worry about it." He told me and I nodded, and quickly walked back to him.
He was still sitting there, but now he looked like he could fall asleep at any second. Poor thing...probably exhausted too. I picked him up, careful of his wrist, and held him on my hip as I had James put the gourney back.
May as well get some use out of his ass.
"Alright, take us to Forks General," I told him after climbing in the back and shutting the door.
I sat the boy more comfortably in my lap and held him close while he sat. I noticed that James was driving recklessly and told him that if we get in an accident with this kid in the bus that I'd make sure he'd need his own ambulance. He actually lookes scared.
I was kind of pleased with myself.
When we pulled up I was surprised to see Doctor Cullen there, not Edward, but his father. Edward has shown me pictures and introduces us in the last month. He was the chief of staff and apparently always knew Edward's partners. Though apparently, in the past, he's never liked the partners.
Only Edward said that he liked me, which was a rarity, and very good. According to him.
"Ah, Bella," He sighed, glancing nervously at James who didn't even get out of the front, and kept chewing on his...God only knows what.
"Hello Doctor Cullen," I sighed as I helped him put the small boy on a gourney. Alec still hadn't let go of my uniform. I was also telling Carlisle his vitals and such. He wasn't in too bad of shape.
"N-no!" Alec's lips quivered and I sighed, hiking him up a bit, and hanging onto him. He wasn't going to let go of me anytime soon.
"Here, I can do his hand with you holding him." He glanced at James again. "It doesn't look like you'll be doing much more with him around."
"He's new..."
"And a lazy ass jerk," Carlisle sighed and I felt my eyes widen.
First of all, I've never seen him cuss before; I could hardly picture it. Second of all, how did he know that about James? But then again, all it took was one second with him, and I knew he was an asshole too. Nevermind everything I just thought...
I followed Carlisle to a cot in the ER. He helped me up so that I was sitting on it with Alec asleep in my lap. I couldn't help but smile at him as she snuggled into my side. I've always loved children. If someone had to start taking care of a baby at a young age, Ella is lucky I'm the one to have done it.
"He seems comfortable with you..."
"He's probably just scared and I'm the first person to help him..." I told him and Carlisle shook his head, chuckling. He sounded just like Edward when he did that. He looked like him in the jaw and nose, too.
"Were you ever around young children?" He asked me and I nodded, telling him about how I did a lot of helping with Ella. I didn't mention that I practically raised her. He's too close to working with Dad for that. Charlie would have a cow if he found out I was talking about him behind his back. "You're a natural. He was probably looking for a maternal figure."
"Right..." I blushed and shrugged. "He said he doesn't have a Mommy and Daddy. And his sister died, saving him from the fire tonight...he doesn't know yet."
"Oh dear..." Carlisle sighed. "Does he have other family?"
"I haven't been able to ask, he passed out not too long after I treated him." I whispered and he nodded, looking sad.
I watched as Carlisle treated his wrist, quickly and easily. He was very good at it, but I was surprised he was helping him. I figured he'd go do one of the bigger, more severe cases that were rapidly coming in.
"So, did Edward call you?" He asked and I shook my head, pursing my lips.
"I don't have a phone."
"No phone? Not a landline?"
"No cell, no landline, neither. I don't have anyone to call. I visit my sister, but she's the only person I talk to outside of work. And she's nine." I told him with another shrug and I watched as he frowned, looking upset about something. "It's not a big deal to me."
"What if you got hurt? Who would you call for help?" He paused and looked at me.
"I'm a paremedic, aren't I?" I joked and he gave me his 'that's not funny' look. I sighed and shrugged, saying that I'd figure something out.
"Bella, it's not safe. I'd feel more comfortable if you had a cell phone. It doesn't have to be fancy, you could go pick up a pre-paid one form the Dollar Store if you want. I could get you one, if you needed..."
"It's fine Doctor Cullen, it is." I told him and he gave me a disapproving glance.
"Well, okay. But don't think I won't be making Edward aware. Speaking of him, he's home with Alice today. She's got RSV. He should be back tomorrow, if it stays where it is or gets better." He told me and I nodded, with a sigh. "Oh, and call me Carlisle."
"Poor baby," I sighed referring to Alice.
"Yeah, she's tough." He chuckled and I nodded.
That's when little Alec's eyes fluttered open and darted around the room, nervously. I got a tighter grip on him, just in case he decided to bolt or something. He looked worriedly at his now bandaged hand and then back up me, his eyes full of tears.
"She's gone, isn't she?" He cried and I glanced at a shocked Carlisle.
"Who, sweetheart?" I asked him and ran my fingers through his hair. He wrapped his arms around my neck as he bawled. "Oh, don't cry. Who's gone, baby?"
"Janie!"
"Did you hear us talking or something?" I spoke softly and he shook his head, wiping at his eyes.
"She was in-...in my dreams! She said that I shouldnt' worry...a-a-a-and that it'll all be okay." He sobbed and I sighed, wrapping my arms tighter around him and rocking him a bit. "She's gone, Bella. Sh-she left me!"
"Did Janie ever tell you about heaven, sweetie?" I asked him and he nodded.
"Mommy and Daddy live in heaven. They're with Jesus. And the angels."
"Well, Janie had to go and be with them too. The angels needed her help. Now she will watch over you from there, with your Mommy, and your Daddy, and Jesus, and the angels..." I told him and a smile broke out across his blotchy face. "See, it'll be okay. I promise it will always be okay."
"Janie would make a really pretty angel," He hiccupped and I smiled, sitting him up a little straighter.
"See, honey? It's okay. She's safe now, and she'll keep you safe too." I told him.
"Now, little one," Carlisle knelt down so he was at Alec's level. Alec ducked into me, but asked what Carlisle needed. I smiled. "Do you know of any family members that you have? Maybe aunts, uncles, other siblings?"
"Uncle Caius and Aunt Gianna." He sniffled and I sighed, thankful that there was somebody out there.
"Alright, I'll check the system." Carlisle nodded at me, telling me to hang out with him for a while, as he stood to go.
I looked at the little boy and sighed, hoping that this Aunt and Uncle treated him right. I know how it feels to live in a home where the adults don't appreciate you and it's not fun, at all. And I would never, ever want that to happen to the sweet boy in my arms. I already try hard just to keep El out of the pit I'm in.
He may have nobody up there.
Carlisle walked back with a grim look on his face. He looked deep in thought as he sat back down on the stool in front of us. Alec watched the man patiently, and I squeazed his good hand lightly, hoping to comfort him a bit.
"Okay...I checked the system...and I found that...they aren't open to taking you in, honey." He whispered and the boys eyes widened.
"But...they...they're my only..."
"I know, but there are lots of Mommies and Daddies out there who want a baby boy like you, and would give anything. We could find you a family in no time!"
"But I want my family!"
"I know sweetie," I whispered. "But they're all in heaven now, and they all are going to watch you, and they want you happy and with people. They really do."
"But...I'm scared. What if nobody wants me?"
"You're an amazing, sweet, beautiful young boy. Anybody would be lucky to have you!" I cooed and he wiped at his eyes.
"Then why dont you a-opt me?" He mispronounced the word again, but I knew what he meant.
"Oh...oh sweetheart..." I whispered and Carlisle watched me worriedly, probably afraid I'd say the wrong thing. "It's very, very hard to be allowed to adopt a child. I would love to, but I don't think I'm good enough. I don't think they'd ever allow that."
Carlisle looked at me, disapprovingly again, as I spoke to the child. He didn't look upset that I couldn't take him in, but that I think that of myself. I just shook my head at him, telling him to keep his mouth shut about it. I don't need him to start feeding me compliments. That's far fromt he point.
Because honestly? I think I would adopt him if I could. But I know that they'd never let me. I'm not up to standards - I'd never meet the requirements. And I'm certainly not going to get this sweet boys heart broken by raising his hopes when I know it's not going to get either one of us anywhere.
"She's right..." Carlisle spoke slowly and his lips began quivering. "But the nearest agency is more than ten hours away." Carlisle finished and I frowned. Where would he go then? "Which is why I think you'll need to stay the night with my wife and I. Bella here has work in the morning, and needs to get paid to take care of herself and her home. My wife would love to help and she'll love you."
"You mean it?"
"Yes." Carlisle smiled.
"Okay..." Alec sniffled and Carlisle hugged him and I. "Can Bella come home with me?"
"Bella?" Carlisle looked at me and I shrugged.
"I get off in an twenty anyways. This can count as work time." I told him and he smiled.
"Alright, well, you can go pack up with your partner," Carlisle eyed James warily. I glanced behind me to see him staring at me from the bus. The station was across the street and we'd just walk there.
I hugged them both, letting Carlisle take the boy before turning to go back to the station. I made my way past James and the bus when he turned and practically backed me up and into the side.
That's when he pressed his big, ugly hand in a spot that he has no right to touch. Ever.
"Let go of me!" I hissed.
"No, listen, you're going on a date with me. Tomorrow night. Sonic. Be there at eight, or else..." He practically barked in my ear and I felt a tear fall out of my eye. "Say yes!" He screamed and I just nodded, full on crying now. "I said say it, witch!"
"Yes...I'll b-be there!"
"Good." He gave me a final squeeze, a slap on the rear, and then he ran away.
I just stood there a few moments trying to get myself together. I couldn't stop the tears, but I could hide the fear. I was always good at hiding the fear. I swiped at my face, took a deep breath, before running into the station and going straight to my locker.
I kept my head down as I practically ripped it open and changed into my clothes. I threw the stupid uniform back inside, and slammed the door closed, with a scream. I couldn't even control myself as I swung the bag over my shoulder and stormed out of the building. I ignored the few firemen who asked if I was alright, probably witnessing my little episode.
When I got back into the ER Carlisle was changed into black dress-pants and a blue button up shirt. He had the boy asleep on his shoulder as he approached me. His eyes were happy at first, but then changed to worry and concern as I got closer.
"Are you alright, Bella? What happened?" He whispered and I swiped at my teary eyes, again.
"N-Nothing. Just an emotional day." I lied and he watched skeptically before shaking his head.
"B-Bella?" I looked to see Alec's eyes opening, and darting to me.
"Hey buddy," I whispered, my throat thick with everything that had happened today.
"Why are you sad, Bella?"
"I just...sometimes people just need to cry." I whispered. It wasn't why I was crying, but it was true. So...it would have to do for now.
"Let's go, I'll drive. And either Edward or myself will drive you in the morning." He whispered and led me to his parked Mercedes. It was black and beautiful. He opened the door and helped me in before helping Alec into a booster seat. The seat was very boyish. He caught me eyeing it and smiled. "It was Emmett's. He's done with it, but I haven't taken it out yet. Busy."
"Oh...' I blushed at being caught staring and turned around in my seat.
He was quiet, aware of Alec who was asleep, as we drove through the dark, quiet town of Forks. Edward had already mentioned that they lived on the outskirts of town; so I wasn't worried when he turned into a green, thick area of trees and up a long, dark path.
I felt my jaw drop as we approached a huge, house. It was lit up, indicating that there were people home, and it was practically made of glass. It was absolutely gorgeous! Carlisle chuckled, and got out. I grabbed Alec for him because he had to grab his brief case and a few things from the trunk.
I carried the sleeping boy in with Carlisle. I walked in and found Edward, asleep on the couch, with a little girl asleep across his chest. On the floor, playing cars, next to them, was Emmett. They looked so cute together, the little family, and I couldn't help but smile.
That's when a woman walked in. I assumed she was Esme, Edward's Mom, and Carlisle's wife. She had Edward's gorgeous green eyes, and the kids' dark hair.
"Hello...Carlisle...who's this?" She spoke softly, and Emmett turned to look at us.
"This is Bella Swan, Edward's partner at work," Carlisle smiled. "Bella, this is my wife, Esme."
"It's great to finally meet you. You look lovely," I offered her my hand but was surprised when she pulled me into a hug. And it was deep. Like one of those motherly hugs that everyone always loves. The kind of hug I've been deprived of over the years. I felt my eyes prick with tears.
"You're beautiful dear, and who's this? Is he your son?" She smiled holding her arms out to hold him.
"Oh, gosh, no." I blushed and handed her the small boy. "Um...he was one of my...Carlisle's patients today, he-..."
"He was your patient, Bella, you don't have to be like that here." Carlisle sighed and I blushed, and shrugged.
"Anyways...he...his sister was killed in the fire today and he'd already lost his parents. He needed somewhere to go tonight, but I don't have heating in my apartment, and he-..."
"You don't?" I turned and saw that Edward was awake, watching me wide-eyed. I felt my face heat up. That wasn't even what I'd meant to say...it just came out. I felt so open around this family that covering up my home-life was practically impossible.
"Um...it's expensive..." I murmured and his brow furrowed. "But...he needed somewhere to stay so Carlisle said you'd be okay with him here. I mean, if you aren't, I'll find somewhere else, but I figured he doesn't need to be sick after all of this. And he also insisted that I stay too...but if you don't want me too, then I ca-..."
"Bella," Edward sighed. "You're always more than welcome here, first of all. Secondly we'd love to have the boy here. And thirdly, why didn't you tell me you were having trouble financially? I would help, I mean we-..."
"I'm not a charity case!" I practically spat back, shocking everyone and myself. "I...I mean..." I began to cry again, glancing around the room, not sure where to go. "Do you have a bathroom? I need to wash up, I-..."
"Er, yes sweetie, here," Esme frowned, glancing at the men before leading me to a hallway in the back. "Just let me know if you need anything. There's towels and shampoo in there if you need a shower."
"Thanks..." I whispered, and sniffled, before closing the door.
I had no idea what brought that little episode on. I would never, ever raise my voice at someone like that. Especially not someone who was letting me stay in their warm home for the night. God, I'm such an idiot! I'm lucky he didn't kick me out!
I quickly did my business, taking a shower, and towel drying my hair. I took my time, hoping that everyone would have gone to bed before I got back in there. I didn't want to have to face any of them after how rude I was. I was ashamed of my attitude, and too ashamed to show it.
Not to mention the fact that I hadn't stopped crying since I got in.
I was scared. I was scared about what James would do if I did, or didn't, show up on that date. I felt my heartrate pick up at just the thought of him. I didn't know what to do with myself. He was so creepy, but he'd kill me if I didn't go. He might kill me if I do go.
Maybe he'll be doing the world a favor, either way, eh?
When I walked out of the bathroom I walked over to the couch and got ready to lay down on it, not sure where else they'd want me. That's when Esme walked in, now wearing some cotton pants and a v-neck shirt. She had Alice asleep on her shoulder too.
"Hello Bella," She sighed looking at me. "You don't think we'd make you sleep on the couch? Come, there's a guest room."
"Oh, Esme, I couldn't im-..."
"No, dear, now, come on. I promise, we'd accept nothing less!" She smiled and I stood to follow her.
That's when my stomach let out a ridiculous roar. Her eyes widened and she turned to me, asking when I'd eaten last. I felt my face heat up, for the zillionth time today, as I glanced down to my bare toes. I mumbled something about how I hadn't eaten today at all and she gasped, grabbing my elbow and taking me to the kitchen.
She tsk'ed as she bee-lined around the kitchen collecing supplies to make who-knows-what. I tried to protest, but she shook her head and finished whatever she was doing. I watched as she pulled some things out of the fridge, all of this one-handed, and put some stuff in the microwave.
"What on earth are you doing, Mrs. Cullen?"
SHe finally turned away from it, and to face me, where I was standing behind the island. "Sweetie, you need to make sure you feed yourself! You're already tiny! It's not good for you!" She scolded and I turned pink. "I'm going to go lay Alice down, I'll return shortly!"
I watched as whatever she was making cooked over the stove and the other food was heating in the microwave. My stomach only got angrier and I didn't even have it in me to argue with her anymore. I was famished and I needed food.
Esme came back in and smiled softly at me as she finished. She sat the tea down in front of me first and I breathed in greedily, and took a sip. She smiled as I hummed happily.
"You like it, dear?"
"Yes, what is it?" I asked her with a sigh.
"It's called Chamomile." She smiled softly and poured herself a mug. "My Mother always made it when I was up late, as a girl."
"Probably why I've never heard of it," I murmured and yawned. "Where do you get it? I may buy some for when my sister stays the night. I'm warming up just drinking it."
"Really? How old is your sister? And I find it at just about any grocery store. It's not super pricey either, so it's a good deal."
"She's nine, we like to have sleepovers, just about every weekend." I smiled and then frowned at my next thought. "Though since I began working our sleepovers have been less often..."
"Oh, that's too bad. Maybe I'll meet her sometime? You sound fond of her."
"She's all I have." I whispered with a shrug. "She means everything to me."
"That's good, it's good that you have a relationship with her." She told me and I nodded. It's better than she'd ever think. It saved me, for one, and hopefully keeps her from needing to be saved.
She then pulled the food from the microwave and set it in front of me with a fork and a knife. It was baked chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans and it looked absolutely amazing! I glanced at her, she urged me on, and then proceeded to take the first bite.
Ecstasy.
"This is amazing!" I breathed and closed my eyes. "I've never eaten anything this good." I breathed but knew that it probably had more to do with the fact that I've never eaten anything that wasn't cooked my myself. Dad only ever left money on the counter for me to grocery shop and cook with. I was on my own. "Oh my goodness!"
"You like?"
"Yes," I smiled at her. "Thank you so much for sharing it with me!"
"Oh, no need to thank me. I would have made you something fresh if I had the time, but you looked starved."
"Well...you certainly didn't need too. This is way more than enough!" I chuckled and she sighed.
"Do you always expect the little?" She asked me and I felt my face heat up as I shrugged.
"Prepare for the worst...right?"
"But hope for the best, right?" She finished and I shrugged, again, and took another bite. "I don't know what it was sweetheart, but something has your self-esteem way too low..."
"It's nothing, Esme, don't worry about me. You have enough people to worry about. You certainly do not need me on that list."
"It's too late dear," She smiled. "Any friend of Edward and Carlisle is a friend of mine. Besides, everyone deserves to have somebody looking out for them. Even you. I know you think you're grown up, but you really are young. You have no idea."
"RIght...well...thank you." I whispered and felt the first sprout of hope in my mind.
Maybe not everyone is bad, even if I'm going straight to someone very bad tomorrow night...
A/N: Bah, one sucky work-day, right? Poor Bella. What does everyone think of the whole Anabella situation? Is she really Bella's sister? Who's Ella's Mother? You should let me know what you think. You never know!
How about that Esme lady? I've always loved Esme and Carlisle. Second favorite couple, actually. Esme so motherly and nurturing. It's hard not to fall for her charm and get sucked into the Cullen family when around this woman.
How about Alice, Emmett, Rosalie, and Jasper? Any questions? What does everyone think of them being kids in this story?
Anways, let me know in your reviews, because you're going to review...aren't you? You are, right? Come on, all you have to do is click the button and do a little typing! I won't even be upset if you're grammatically incorrect! I just want to hear from my readers, to know that there are readers out there!
Please?
I'm not needy, just greedy ;)
- Em